Hi, just wondering if anyone here could tell me more about these items we have found when clearing out an old house... Tia Ross
The bottom one looks like a British No.7 bayonet. If it is, that could be worth a few bob. The socket at the end of the grip should rotate through 180° to line up with the ring. Going up, next is the No.4 spike bayonet, not sure about the knife, then it's a modern british SA80 bayonet at the top. Not sure if it's still current - the rifle changes every time I look at it. Just because the others aren't No.7s, doesn't mean their worthless but, like any collectory endeavour, the devil is in the manufacturing detail, dates, markings etc. I recall something being said about lots of knock-off or rejected SA80 bayonets on the market, to the point that the infantry scabbards were more prized than the bayonets themselves.
The British No.7 bayonet socket does rotate 180 (have added a pic to show) do you know who commonly used them? Or was it used throughout the British Army? I have also added pictures of the other markings on it if that helps identify it? The knife I have been told could be an israel Ka-Bar but unsure.. thanks for the reply and the information it’s much appreciated
It appears it was quickly relegated to ceremonial purposes only: British Bayonets World War II and Post-War
Definitely a KA-BAR style that was widely used by US services during WWII. KA-BAR company took over manufacturing of them in the fifties. No marking of any kind?
The bottom one, as said, is a No 7 - worth about £100-120 at auction. Next up is a No 4 mk2* there are loads about and without the scabbard about £15 on a good day. KA-BARs are still being sold commercially, so £10-15 unless you can prove it is military issue and can link it to a campaign in Vietnam in which case it's worth hundreds to a US buyer. Top is, as said, SA80, L3A1, contemporary bayonet. Again lots around and without the scabbard etc only worth £15-20. As I said those are rough auction values you may get more for a private sale.